take shape

Idioms and Phrases

Also, shape up . Turn out, develop, acquire a distinctive form, as in Her reelection campaign is already taking shape, two years before the election , or Can you tell us how the book is shaping up? The first term dates from the mid-1700s and the variant, originally put as shape out , from about 1600.

Example Sentences

Slowly the eulogies began to take shape, common themes woven through the contours of their extraordinary individual lives.

From The Daily Beast

But there is little question that if such a coalition is to take shape, the United States will have to lead it.

From The Daily Beast

When Arab Spring-style protests take shape in the capital's main plaza, Jamal orders up a "bloodbath."

From The Daily Beast

It would take shape in accordance with a three-step acknowledgement of the basic realities we confront on the issue.

From The Daily Beast

Often, therefore, economic hierarchies take shape as society undergoes the “natural transition” from aristocracy to democracy.

From The Daily Beast

In Upper Canada party struggles did not take shape until well after the War of 1812.

From Project Gutenberg

He smiled at his foolish fancy, but dramatic incidents began to take shape about the image of that girl.

From Project Gutenberg

These things take shape in the mind of the reader; they are recreated and set up where the mind's eye can rest on them.

From Project Gutenberg

These desires readily take shape in the city as the spirit of war and as a craving for excitement of various kinds.

From Project Gutenberg

When the dawn slowly stole into the garden, so that the ghosts of day began to take shape and color, Gavan rose among them.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brew
• come on
• dominate
• emerge
• hover
• mount
• overshadow
• portend
• soar
• stand out
• threaten